Evelyn reeled back, clutching her reddened left cheek in complete and total shock.
Her eyes went wide as tears of pain instantly welled in the corners.
Evelyn: Julian! How dare you strike me! Do you know who my husband is?!
Julian: I don't care who your husband is!
Julian stepped in closer before she could regain her balance.
He swung his palm again, striking her hard across her right cheek.
A loud crisp slap echoed off the marble walls, and several guests gasped out loud.
Evelyn: Stop! Please, stop!
Julian: You lay your hands on a helpless woman in my home?!
Without pausing, Julian unleashed a rapid, relentless barrage of slaps across Evelyn's face.
Left and right, the sharp strikes rained down in a display of pure, unbridled fury.
Evelyn cried out, her hair falling wild around her face as she tried to cover her head with her hands.
Evelyn: Somebody help me! Call the police!
Julian: Nobody is going to save you from me today!
The sheer force of his final, heavy strike sent Evelyn collapsing onto the cold marble floor.
She lay there in complete humiliation, sobbing hysterically as her beige gown sprawled out around her.
The entire ballroom fell completely silent, the high-society guests frozen in fear.
Julian breathed heavily, adjusting the cuffs of his black tuxedo without looking down at the fallen woman.
He turned his back on Evelyn and immediately knelt beside the crying maid.
His stern, angry expression instantly melted into one of deep tender care.
Julian: Are you okay? You're safe now.
Victoria looked up through her tears, her hands trembling as she held her stomach.
Victoria: Mr. Julian... you shouldn't have done that. She is a powerful woman...
Julian: She is nothing. Can you stand up?
Julian placed his strong hands under her arms, gently pulling her up off the hard floor.
Victoria wobbled slightly on her feet, leaning against Julian's arm for support.
Victoria: I was so scared for the baby...
Julian: I know. I am so sorry I wasn't here two minutes earlier.
He turned to face the crowd of wealthy guests, who were staring at him in total disbelief.
Julian: The party is over! Every single one of you, get out of my house right now!
Guest 1: Julian, surely you can't mean that! We came for the charity auction!
Julian: I said GET OUT! Before I have security throw you all onto the street!
The guests quickly began filing out toward the front doors, whispering nervously among themselves.
Evelyn remained on the floor, struggling to pull herself up while holding her swollen, red face.
Evelyn: You will pay for this, Julian Montgomery! My family will destroy your business!
Julian: Try it, Evelyn. And see what happens to your husband's offshore trust funds by tomorrow morning.
Evelyn's eyes flashed with fear at the mention of the trust funds.
She scrambled to her feet, holding her torn dress together, and ran out of the ballroom as fast as her heels could carry her.
Julian turned back to Victoria, guiding her over to a plush velvet armchair near the window.
Julian: Sit down, Victoria. Take a deep breath.
Victoria: Thank you, Mr. Julian. But why did you protect me like that? I'm just a maid...
Julian: You are not just a maid, Victoria. And it's time everyone in this town knew the truth.